On This Day in 1970: Santana Released Their Iconic Rendition of “Black Magic Woman,” Originally Written by Peter Green
Photo by Heinrich Klaffs, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Song’s Origin
“Black Magic Woman” began as a song written by Peter Green, founding member of Fleetwood Mac. The band released it as a single in 1968, where it reached number 37 on the U.K. Singles Chart. In those early recordings, Green’s guitar, deep blues-rooted grooves, and direct lyrics earned the song modest attention but planted the seeds for its later success.
Green once said of the track that it drew inspiration from earlier blues songs and personal experiences with love and loss. A later writer observed that “the evolution of ‘Black Magic Woman’ stretches back to 1957, with an obscure record by Chicago guitarist Jody Williams.” The original version remained a cool blues tune in the U.K., but it was about to take a very different turn across the Atlantic.
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Santana’s Take Turns It Into a Smash
On November 14, 1970, Santana released their version of “Black Magic Woman” in the United States. The track appeared on their second album, Abraxas, and it quickly climbed to number 4 on the U.S. charts. In doing so, Santana transformed a relatively niche song into a mainstream rock anthem. The cover featured lead vocals by Gregg Rolie and showcased Carlos Santana’s expressive guitar work, blending blues, Latin rhythms, and rock.
In a retrospective interview, Santana recalled: “I used to go see the original Fleetwood Mac, and they used to kill me, just knock me out… To me they were the best blues band.” When Rolie brought the song into a soundcheck, Santana thought, “I can bring a little bit of Otis Rush here and a little bit of Wes Montgomery here.” The result: a fresh version that honored the original while giving it unmistakable rhythm and flair.
The Lasting Impact
Santana’s version remains the version most people recognize when they hear the song today. While Fleetwood Mac’s original had its charm, it was the 1970 cover that propelled the song into rock history. On that chart run, the track helped push Abraxas to major success and secured Santana’s place among the major rock acts of the era.
Meanwhile, Peter Green’s role as writer went on to be celebrated long after he left Fleetwood Mac. His contribution to the music of the late-60s blues-rock scene continues to be studied and admired. The story of “Black Magic Woman” shows how a song can cross borders, styles, and artists, shifting shape while retaining its core soul.
